Mainly due to population ageing, the crude incidence rate of colorectal cancer increased between 1983 and 2001, from 46 new cases per 100,000 people in 1983 to 66 new cases per 100,000 people in 2001. Australia has a comparatively high incidence rate of colorectal cancer by world standards, ranking fifth for men and second for women out of 173 countries in the late 1990s. This article presents information on incidence, mortality, survival and risk factors in respect of colorectal cancer.

In 2003, 56% of older people had a disability of some kind. Almost one in four older people (22%) had a profound or severe core activity limitation. That is, they were limited in everyday activities (e.g. walking or dressing), or sometimes needed help to do these things, or had difficulty communicating. This article explores the prevalence of disability among older people in Australia, as well as their living arrangements and types of assistance needed.

Many more children than adults receive injuries, and injury deaths (e.g. from transport accidents, drownings, or assaults) are the leading cause of death for children aged 1-14 years. This article presents data on recent injuries sustained by children, exploring some circumstances surrounding children's injuries, and on leading injury deaths for children.